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Squad named for Netherlands and Oman matches

Qantas Socceroos Head Coach Pim Verbeek has selected a squad of 24-players for the upcoming international friendly match against the Netherlands in Sydney and the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Oman in Melbourne, with both matches presented by FOXTEL.

Qantas Socceroos Head Coach Pim Verbeek has selected a squad of 24-players for the upcoming international friendly match against the Netherlands in Sydney and the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Oman in Melbourne, with both matches presented by FOXTEL.

Returning to the Qantas Socceroos squad, after missing the recent international friendly against the Korea Republic, are Tim Cahill, David Carney, Scott Chipperfield, Harry Kewell, Craig Moore, Lucas Neill and Luke Wilkshire.

Brett Emerton makes his first Qantas Socceroos squad since recovering from a knee reconstruction following an injury sustained playing for his club Blackburn Rovers in the English Premier League in January of this year. The last time Emerton played for the Qantas Socceroos was in October last year when he scored two goals in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier against Qatar in Brisbane.

Western-Australian born Shane Lowry receives his first call-up for the Qantas Socceroos since choosing to pursue his international football career future with Australia having played eight internationals for the Republic of Ireland at U-17 & U21 level.

Last September the Qantas Socceroos defeated the Netherlands 2-1 in Eindhoven courtesy of a Harry Kewell penalty and a Josh Kennedy header. The only other time these two nations faced each other was in June 2006 when the Qantas Socceroos drew 1-1 with Netherlands in Rotterdam in the lead up to the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Four days later, the team plays a crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Oman at Melbourne-s Etihad Stadium. The Qantas Socceroos have only faced Oman once before, drawing 1-1 in the group stage of the AFC Asian Cup 2007 in Bangkok where Tim Cahill scored the equaliser in the 90th minute.

Australia currently sits fourth in their AFC Asian Cup qualification group and it is vital that the Qantas Socceroos make the most of the double FIFA break.

Tickets for the match against the Netherlands at Sydney Football Stadium are available for purchase from all Ticketek agencies, online and by phone, whilst tickets for the AFC Asian Cup 2011 qualification stage match against Oman at Etihad Stadium are available from all Ticketmaster agencies, online and by phone.

All Qantas Socceroos matches are broadcast live and exclusive on FOX Sports.